Are solar panels safe for your roof?

Solar panels that are properly installed shouldn’t damage your roof’s exterior or infrastructure. Working with a qualified licensed professional and ensuring your roof is already in good shape will ensure that your solar panels won’t affect the integridty of your roof. 

Some homeowners worry if solar panels are too heavy for their roofs. Solar panels are designed for rooftops and are made not to be too heavy to keep the integrity of the roof. In some circumstances, a roof’s architecture or age can affect if solar panels can be installed. Having a licensed professional thoroughly inspect your roof beforehand is very important.

What To Look for When Choosing a Roofing Contractor  

Getting the lowest price on any quality roof deal is a matter of luck. If your roof demands immediate professional help and care, it is best you start your search ahead of time to avoid the last-minute rushes and wrong choices. Your roof is crucial and pricey so why not pick a contractor that will do it right the first time. The extra time and effort to find the roofing contractor that is right for you will be worth it in the end!  

Many roofing companies will claim they’re the best but are they really? When looking for a trusted roofing company, you need to know what to look for… IT’S NOT JUST ABOUT THE PRICE. You could get the best deal but if the quality isn’t there, what’s the point? Take a minute to learn what to observe when searching for a roofing specialist.  

  • Workmanship: Pay attention to the quality of their work and the knowledge they express with you. This assures the homeowner they’ll get the safest roof installation that won’t leak and guarantee’s a long life. 
  • Material Quality: If you are choosing tile roof installation in Arizona, make sure to assess the quality of raw material beforehand. Any reputable and reliable contractor will use the material that meet standards and will follow installation standards.  
  • Reputation & Experience: It is wise to confirm how many years they’ve done roofing and if they’re actually good at it. Ask for previous customers testimonials and contact information. You can also check out the Better Business Bureau website to obtain customer’s feedback.  
  • Supervision: Ask them to explain their processes and procedures. If they have a trusted Supervisor on the job, it should put your mind at ease that you don’t have to worry about watching them because there is a trained professional to do that for you.  
  • Maintenance: Get into a detailed discussion with your roofing contractor about regular roof inspections and actions to be taken for special problem spots. 

If you haven’t had any luck finding a reliable and trusted roofing company, reach out to us at Almeida Roofing to see if we are a good fit for you. 602-743-3175 

How long does it take to replace a roof?

The short answer is anywhere from 1-3 days when no weather is involved. If the weather gets bad, as in Arizona during certain seasons, you could look at 3-5 days or even longer. The water can damage the roof decking if it rains during a roof install, and a new roof should never be installed over a wrinkled barrier or wet wood. 

The type of roof you have installed can also affect how long it takes to replace it. A regular asphalt shingle roof is much quicker than concrete or wood tiles. The pattern you want your tiles placed in can also play a role, as some patterns are intricate and take longer to install. 

House size is another huge factor in how long it can take to replace your roof. A 2000sqft home and a 5000sqft home will not take the same time to replace. It is best to ask your roofing company about time estimates as all roof jobs are different. 

If you need a new roof or a repair, call us. 602.743.3175

Shingle Roofs In Arizona – Pros & Cons

Shingle roofs are commonly seen on Arizona homes… Why? With temperatures fluctuating day & night and the crazy monsoon storms during the summer, we need a roof that can handle the conditions Arizona has to offer. Our homes must have durable roofs that can withstand the unpredictable climate variations. Here is a quick review of the pros and cons of using shingle roofs.

Pros:

  • Versatility – Shingle roofs can be made of materials like asphalt fiberglass, wooden shingles, metal, slate, tile etc. 
  • Inexpensive – Shingles are one of the most inexpensive roofing options. Material used for shingles have different costs so you have various options to choose from that works best for you.
  • Easy Installation and Maintenance – Arizona roofing companies can easily and proficiently install shingle roofs. Regular maintenance is recommended to keep shingles clean and safe. 
  • Fire Resistant – Shingles are fairly fire-resistant. Asphalt shingles can last 2 hours before catching fire unlike wooden shingles. Asphalt fiberglass shingles are the most fire-resistant among all other types of shingles.
  • Easily Available – Shingles are easily found everywhere and anywhere. Available in different shapes types and colors too!

Cons:

  • Lifespan – Metal and slate shingles are durable up to 50 years, but few shingles like asphalt, tile and wood are decreased to 30-35 years in life expectancy.
  • Regular Inspection Required – Although the roof maintenance and repair is easy, regular inspection is required to avoid any damage.
  • Vulnerable to Mildew – Improper roof installation, ventilation and leaks can lead to mold, mildew, and fungi.

People choose shingle roofs over other roofing types as it’s inexpensive, durable, and easily available in Arizona.

Asphalt Roof Installation is done by the professional roofing expert, Almeida Roofing. To learn more and get a quote, give us a call! 602-743-3175

Benefits of a tile roof in Arizona

Living in Arizona, tile roofs aren’t a new concept, but let’s talk about the benefits of having a tile roof in Arizona. 

Tile roofs have a life span of around 50 years, while a regular shingle roof gets you 10-20 years. Tile roofs are more durable in the Arizona sun and are very low maintenance. If the environment is on your mind, it’s helpful to know that tile roofs are also more eco-friendly than most others as well. Tile is resistant to wind, heat, rot, and insect damage.

There are always pros and cons and many types of roofing materials to consider, but tile in Arizona is always a good choice. 

If you are in the market for a new roof, tile, or otherwise, give us a call! 602-743-3175

Is It Time To Replace Your Roof?

A house wouldn’t be very useful without a roof… it is the most essential part of the home. The roof protects our home from water damage and outside elements. Unfortunately, like with anything else, wear and tear happens overtime. It is important to know the signs when you should replace your roof to avoid property damage and injury. Don’t overlook the condition of your roof!

6 Signs It Is Time To Replace The Roof

1.) Water Damage: Take a peak upstairs or in the attic for signs of moisture. There could be brown, yellow, or grey stains. Peeling paint on the wall and ceilings also demonstrates a roof leak. If there is dampness in the attic, the roof is weakened causing water to get inside.

2.) Life Expectancy: On average, a roof can last 20-50 years depending on the type. Get records on when the roof was installed and if/ when it was replaced so you can guesstimate when it’ll be time to replace.

3.) Sagging: A sagging and droopy roof is an indication that moisture got captured causing boards under the roof to rot. Walk across the street to look at your roof. It’s supposed to look straight so you should be able to see any sagging.

4.) Mold & Fungi: I know, gross right? If you see mold and fungi, check for a possible roof leak. Not only is it absolutely disgusting but it’s not good for you and your family to breath in. Address the water leak and make sure to get rid of the mold and fungi too!

5.) Curling Shingles: If you see the shingles curled, it signals that they’re no longer securely attached and are damaged.

6.) Missing Shingles & Other Material: We have the best monsoon storms here in Arizona and they’re really cool to watch but then the next morning you walk out of your house to a tree on top of your car… not so cool. That wind gets intense! The high winds can cause your shingles to fly off along with the materials that are keeping everything intact.

Take the time to check the condition of your roof. Need repair or replacement, call a professional. If you’d like a specialist to inspect the condition of your roof, Almeida Roofing is always here to help! We will document our findings and walk through them with you. Whether you decide to repair or replace, we can help with that too!

602-743-3175

Why it’s important to keep trees away from your roof.

Why is it important to keep your trees trimmed and away from your roof? Besides the obvious concerns for damage, there are a few other reasons to keep in mind as well. 

Too shaded. Shade here in Arizona usually seems like a great idea, but too much shade in one area of a roof caused by trees that are too close can cause parts of your roof to not dry as quickly after a storm than other areas. It’s not good to let moisture linger too long on roofing shingles; it can cause decreased roof life. 

Debris.  Debris that falls from trees that are too close to the roof can cause damage and block important drainage.  in a large storm, think of all the leaves that fall from trees, even if they aren’t close to your roof; these leaves and small bits of debris would have nowhere to go if trees and other large objects were blocking the drainage.

Animal Access. Allowing trees too close to your roof can allow access to all sorts of small critters; everything from rats, snakes, cats, etc. can have easy access to your roof when trees are close.  Keeping your trees cut back away from the house, and the roof will discourage a whole host of critters from taking residency in your attic space. 

Protecting Your Roof From Sun Heat

We live in Arizona where the sun does nothing but shine! Some of us step outside for 5 minutes and end up with a sunburn. Not to mention the unbearably hot sidewalk you can’t take your dog for a walk on. Don’t get me wrong the sun is great but have you thought about what it could be doing to your roof? Sitting there just baking in that glorious summer sunshine ALL DAY. An unprotected roof can increase the risk for asphalt breakage, fading, warping, and cracking. To get longevity out of your roof, learn how to protect it.

Here are some ways to defend from the sun heat….

1.) Reflective Paint for Flat Roof: Coating the roof in white or silver is the cheapest and easiest option. All you need is paint, rollers, and a ladder. Poor some paint and start rolling!

2.) Gravel for Flat Roof: For increased roof protection, get reflective gravel poured on your roof. As an added bonus, it helps with drainage which is perfect for monsoon season!

3.) Reflective Membrane: Using fasteners, these prefabricated sheets are attached to the roof for protection from the sunlight and heat. For your safety, it’s best to hire a professional!

4.) Solar Panels: Two birds, one stone?… Why not?! Shade your roof and save money on your electric bill by getting solar panels installed.

For any questions regarding your roof, Almeida Roofing is here to help! Take a look at our website or give us a call.

602-743-3175

TIPS TO SAVE MONEY ON YOUR NEW ROOF

TIPS TO SAVE MONEY ON YOUR NEW ROOF

Is your roof on it’s last legs?

 Are you in a hurry to look out for an immediate replacement? 

Checking out local roofing contractors in Phoenix is where this journey usually starts. Checking out online reviews, making sure ROC licensed and insured and checking other credentials is next.

After checking out credentials, you most always will be concerned about the cost involved in getting a new roof installed.

Here we have listed some steps and tips that can help. These tips can help not only be able to choose the best roofing contractor in Phoenix, but also to help the overall roofing job to go smoothly.

Start shop around and act smart: Many home roofing contractors will claim to be the best in the market.  It is always wise to do your homework, check online reviews, ask for past references and call them as well as get the estimate.  This will help you in zeroing into not only the best price for your job, but the best roofer for your job. The cheaper jobs can end up being very expensive; poor quality roofing leads to expensive damages.  Going blindly after someone who is offering an unbelievably low price is risky since the contractor might compromise the quality of work.

Hunt for off-season discounts: If delaying roof replacement/repair job is an option for you, then waiting for seasons off can help you get great deals. Depending on the climate, you can start at early winters or at the commencement of spring, to negotiate the price with your choice of roofing contractor Phoenix.

For all your roof repair or installation needs, Almeida Roofing is here to help!

602-743-3175

Account for Long-Term Savings: Select energy-rated products which will help you in saving some considerable amount in long run. In some cases, going by these options can also invite tax break.

Give a hand: It is advisable to do some work on your own. Where the actual roof installation will be done people who have required skills, removing the shingles can be a part of job that you can take over to save labor cost. Also, you can suggest storing the materials on site or performing the post clean up job to control the cost. It is wide to discuss everything in detail with the company to ensure that the costing remains under check.